Secondhand goods are often waste in disguise, according to Andrei Corlan, the National Environmental Guard Commissioner. Sending these shipments to poorer EU countries like Romania has economic benefits. In Germany, waste disposal costs between 200 and 300 euros per ton, while in Romania, it is about ten times cheaper.
Corlan explained that waste generators from abroad send their waste to Romania instead of disposing of it in their own countries due to the lower costs. In Romania, companies find large shipments of mixed textiles cheap. A small portion of these textiles can be sold in secondhand shops. However, the clothes that cannot be sold end up in Romania’s poorest communities, like the one where Vasile lives. These unfit clothes are often sold in black bags at low prices to these communities. After they sift through the clothes, the remaining unusable items are discarded in fields or waterways.
A report traced a supply chain from a German exporter, Baliz Textilwerke, to a Romanian importer accused of illegally importing waste. Baliz collects clothing from bins in Germany and claims to recycle wearable items. The company promotes its commitment to environmental protection on its website, stating that it separates clothes from other items before shipment.
However, reports revealed that Baliz’s exports to Romanian companies included unsorted used clothing mixed with items like carpets and pillows. Under Romanian law, these should be classified as textile waste. The Romanian importers did not have proper authorization to import waste when investigations began.
How do the practices of foreign companies impact waste management and environmental sustainability in Romania?
Interview with Andrei Corlan, National Environmental Guard Commissioner
News Directory: Thank you for joining us today, Commissioner Corlan. There has been increasing concern over the export of secondhand goods to Romania, particularly regarding their potential classification as waste. Can you explain your perspective on this issue?
Andrei Corlan: Thank you for having me. The situation is indeed concerning. Many of these secondhand goods are often more like waste disguised as used clothing. When foreign companies send these shipments to Romania, they are taking advantage of our cheaper disposal costs. It becomes economically beneficial for them to export their waste rather than manage it themselves.
News Directory: You mentioned economic benefits for poorer EU countries like Romania. What specific factors contribute to this practice?
Andrei Corlan: In countries like Germany, waste disposal can cost between 200 and 300 euros per ton. In contrast, Romania’s disposal costs are significantly lower, at about ten times cheaper. This disparity encourages waste generators from other countries to export their obligations to us rather than bear the costs in their own nations.
News Directory: How does this practice impact local communities in Romania, particularly those in impoverished areas?
Andrei Corlan: Unfortunately, it has a direct and detrimental impact. In Romania, these mixed shipments often include a small portion of secondhand clothing that can be sold legitimately, but most of it ends up in vulnerable communities. For people like Vasile, who lives in one of these areas, this means being able to purchase black bags of clothing at low prices. However, these items often lack quality, and many are outright unusable. Those that cannot be sold end up discarded in fields and waterways, damaging our environment.
News Directory: Recent reports have surfaced regarding a German company, Baliz Textilwerke, and its practices in exporting textiles to Romania. Can you shed light on this situation?
Andrei Corlan: Yes, the reports concerning Baliz raise serious red flags. While the company markets itself as environmentally responsible, claiming to recycle wearable items, the reality is much different. Investigations revealed that their shipments included unsorted clothing mixed with other waste materials. Legally, this is classified as textile waste under Romanian law, and ultimately, the importers do not possess the necessary authorization to bring such waste into the country.
News Directory: What did the inspections reveal about the quality of these imported textiles?
Andrei Corlan: Inspectors found multiple bales containing stained, damaged clothing along with debris. Some shipments lacked proper disinfection of the actual clothes despite having certificates that claimed otherwise. One cleaning company openly admitted they only disinfected the exterior of the boxes. This clearly demonstrates a lack of accountability in ensuring that what is sent to Romania meets safety and health standards.
News Directory: What is the role of companies like Emily SRL in this chain of imports, and what are the implications of their operations?
Andrei Corlan: Emily SRL is a significant player in importing these textiles, bringing in thousands of tons each year. They operate numerous secondhand clothing shops throughout Romania, selling some items from these imports. However, they also contribute to the cycle of distributing unfit clothing to impoverished communities. It’s important for both companies and consumers to recognize the implications of purchasing these goods, which can perpetuate a cycle of waste and environmental harm.
News Directory: What actions are being taken by the National Environmental Guard to address this ongoing issue?
Andrei Corlan: We are actively working on tightening regulations regarding waste imports and enhancing inspection protocols to prevent unauthorized shipments. Greater collaboration with other EU countries is essential to tackling this problem at the source. Ultimately, we need a systemic change that prioritizes sustainability and responsible waste management across borders.
News Directory: Thank you for your insights, Commissioner Corlan. It seems there is much work to be done to ensure environmental protection and the well-being of local communities in Romania.
Andrei Corlan: Thank you for allowing me to share this critical information. It is essential for public awareness and action.
Inspectors found several bales of clothing with stains, hair, and damage. Some shipments included certificates claiming disinfection, but one cleaning company admitted they only disinfected the outside of the boxes and not the clothing inside.
Emily SRL, a major customer of Baliz in Romania, imports thousands of tons of textiles each year. They run secondhand clothing shops across Romania, selling some of the imported goods.
